Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

Few bits and pieces in the Paul Smith clearance shope in the Royal Exchange. Only notable as think they had some stuff (hooded tops) that was sold out online rather than it being particualrly cheap.

Rapha, the new Assos with extra dickhead factor. Having said that, loved the Rapha CC cafe last year.

Increasingly convinced of inappropriate/low quality materials and finishing, with usual random sizing. Both pairs of touring shorts-the stitching in crotch has given way, stowaway sleeve stitching coming undone, and riding trousers are bobbling in the arse after one week and wash. All in all gusset related horror. That said no doubt free repair service helps etc. Still shouldn't have to after minimal use.

Bit less racing, coffee makers, cafes, and better fit-for-intended-purpose clothing. Ach never mind I'll just stop buying, even at sale prices.

Santini.

i only like the merino stuff. all the "performance" stuff is crap and uses shit fabrics

Rocking my Paul Smith/Rapah jersey today for the first time - surprisingly generous sizing. Large is really quite loose on me - whereas a large lightweight is pretty 'aero'

i like my r&ps stuff but it does come up large and i had to go down a size - i reckon the target customer for this range is older and more generously proportioned around the middle than the target market for the performance stuff.
i guess a large belly is how you show the world you can afford to live on foie gras and port.

zip went on my R&PS hoodie last night :( got a classic jersey that's a little crash damaged too, time to give rapha a call...

Rapha/PS windproof shirt exchange finally has reached it's conclusion. And it is a lovely bit of kit..

My GT mitts split on the deepest Essex ride......only used them for about 100 miles.
To be fair though, Barney was spot on with his customer service, as he was last time I had an issue, and sent out a new pair straight away for my ride on Sunday.
Good service, if apparently a bit of shoddy quality control....

just got the windproof shirt but damn the fit is baggy.

Probably the wrong thread to ask, but has anyone tried alternatives to the Rapha trousers?

I've got the swerve soft shells, which're good but far too warm for anything buy the coldest parts of winter.

STE have you tried the Swrve WWR trousers? they are the summer weight version of the softshell ones.
I wear mine for work, good for summer.

#headsbacktoswrvethread

Does anyone use the Rapha boxers?

I thought I'd be clever and use my Icebreaker merino boxers for riding in but they've worn through after two rides. (Despite lasting years of abuse otherwise.)

Are the Rapha ones comfortable and do they last?

Probably the wrong thread to ask, but has anyone tried alternatives to the Rapha trousers?

I've got the swerve soft shells, which're good but far too warm for anything buy the coldest parts of winter.

I had the same problem with the Swrve trousers - they are just too warm.

I'd thoroughly recommend a pair of Outlier trousers, available in Tokyo Fixed, if your budget can stretch to them. Comfortable, hard wearing and they look fairly smart too.

Their sizing is a little.. abnormal so best go to Tokyo Fixed to try them out.

Even my 33 is now a little loose (on account of my weight loss I gather).

Does anyone use the Rapha boxers?

I thought I'd be clever and use my Icebreaker merino boxers for riding in but they've worn through after two rides. (Despite lasting years of abuse otherwise.)

Are the Rapha ones comfortable and do they last?

Can't comment on durability as they are only a month old but the comfort is good. Relatively substantial pad keeps them comfy whilst cycling but it isn't into bib short territory so comfy enough of the bike. Not sure I would wear them all day if I was mostly off the bike but fantastic for a casual ride and pub excursion.

I had the same problem with the Swrve trousers - they are just too warm.

I'd thoroughly recommend a pair of Outlier trousers, available in Tokyo Fixed, if your budget can stretch to them. Comfortable, hard wearing and they look fairly smart too.

I was thinking about just buying some M&S type wool trousers off fleabay for winter

I have a large unworn rapha france country jersey for sale. £60 posted. PM if interested.

i like the merino boxershorts

though next season they are taking the pad out, which rather negates the point to me

i dont like wearing them for a day - but in the same way i would not want to wear bibshorts for a day unless actually riding

as far as i know it is a triathlon pad in the shorts, so not very thick. so they dont have a massive vpl, but not really designed for huge long rides

The new ones without a pad are a addition to the range, the padded ones are being continued!

I wish they would add a ladies' cut, unpadded merino underwear short, they're very hard to find.

Icebreaker do them

i guess a large belly is how you show the world you can afford to live on foie gras and port.

Yuh mon!

Rapha/PS windproof shirt exchange finally has reached it's conclusion. And it is a lovely bit of kit..

It's fantastic. It stops... wind!

Royles in Wilmslow, Cheshire have 20% of all clothing at the moment - including Rapha. Saved about £70 on rain jacket and pro team bibs.